The master goldsmith Michele Affidato creates gold crowns, the result of ex-votos
On Friday, July 21st, the coronation of the wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin of Montagna di Polsi took place at the main church in Piazza Renoir, Capistrano (VV). The two new gold crowns, crafted by master goldsmith Michele Affidato, now adorn the simulacrum of the Madonna of Montagna di Polsi. It was a prestigious task entrusted to the goldsmith by the Parish of San Nicola and its parish priest, Don Antonio Calafati, who recognized him as a true reference point in the field of sacred art. These two crowns are the result of fusing gold jewelry offered as ex-votos by generations of Capistrano’s residents.
The gold fusion took place last year in August, during the solemn celebration dedicated to the Madonna of Montagna. Many faithful participated in the ancient and evocative ritual, which dates back to ancient times. Each individual piece of jewelry was melted in the crucible along with others, giving birth to a new and unique work of art. Affidato, together with his collaborators, then proceeded with various design and crafting phases to create the crowns. They were entirely handmade with floral elements and relief work. Natural stones, including blue topaz, amethysts, and citrine quartz, were then embedded in these crowns.
The coronation ceremony of the Madonna of Montagna, along with the restoration of the “Cappella della Vergine di Polsi,” the Main Altar of the Matrice Church (dating back to the 18th century), once again attests to the strong faith bond of the Capistrano community that has persisted for over 260 years. The crowning ceremony was officiated by Don Nunzio Maccarone, the Vicar General of Mileto – Nicotera – Tropea, along with the parish priest of San Nicola, Father Antonio Calafati, and other priests from the Diocese, witnessed by numerous faithful.
After the ceremony, Michele Affidato explained the process that led to the creation of the two crowns. This sacred artwork adds to the many others created by Affidato for Madonnas in various parts of the world. Notably, the master goldsmith crafted new diadems for the Polish Madonna of Czestochowa and for the effigy of the Blessed Virgin at the Doylestown Sanctuary in the United States of America. He also fashioned two pectoral crosses depicting the Papal Coat of Arms for Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Additionally, he received a prestigious commission from the CCEE (Council of European Episcopal Conferences) on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary, where he created bas-reliefs representing the Patron Saints of Europe, presented to Pope Francis, Pope Benedict, and President Hon. Sergio Mattarella. His portfolio also includes various works for the Vatican, as well as episcopal insignia for Cardinals and Bishops. Over the years, the master has been commissioned to create works that increasingly enrich the vast artistic heritage of the Church and beyond.
READ ALSO: Michele Affidato creates splendid crowns for the Madonna di Polsi.
